About Civil Services Exam (CSAT)

Recruitment to 24 elite central civil services is made through the following 3-stage examination process.

Preliminary Examination (CSAT) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination

Main Examination (Written) for the selection of candidates for the interview

Interview (Personality Test)

CSAT (Preliminary Examination)

This examination is meant to serve as a screening test only. So the marks obtained in CSAT will only serve as qualifying criterion for Mains; they will not be counted for determining the final order of merit. Only candidates declared by the Commission to have qualified in the Preliminary Examination will be eligible for admission to the Main Examination of that year.

The number of candidates admitted to the Main Examination will be about 12-13 times the total approximate number of vacancies to be filled during the year in the various Services.

Exam Syllabus (CSAT)

Paper I - (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
The topics do not require subject specialization.

Current events of national and international importance

History of India and Indian National Movement

Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World